Adjustable sprayer iron with temperature interlock

ABSTRACT

The disclosure shows a spray iron having independent adjustable sprayer assembly and temperature control means with interlocking connecting structure between the two for automatically setting the correct spray rate in accordance with the temperature setting for the material being ironed.

United States Patent Davidson et al.

[151 3,654,715 [451 Apr. 11, 1972 [54] ADJUSTABLE SPRAYER IRON WITH TEMPERATURE INTERLOCK [72] Inventors: William E. Davidson, Ontario; Llewellyn D. Busby, Upland, both of Calif.

[73] Assignee: General Electric Company [22] Filed: Nov. 25, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 92,587

[52] U.S. Cl ..38/77.5 [5 l Int. Cl. "D06! 75/06 [58] Field of Search ..38/77.5, 77.83

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,373,516 3/1968 Knappetal ..38/77.5

3,497,974 3/1970 Davidson ..38/'77.5

Primary ExaminerPatrick D. Lawson Attorney-Lawrence R. Kempton, Leonard J. Platt, John F. Cullen, Frank L. Neuhauser, Oscar B. Waddell and Joseph B.

Forman [5 7] ABSTRACT The disclosure shows a spray iron having independent adjustable sprayer assembly and temperature control means with interlocking connecting structure between the two for automatically settingthe correct spray rate in accordance with the temperature setting for the material being ironed.

7 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures ADJUSTABLE SPRAYER IRON WITH TEMPERATURE INTERLOCK BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a spray iron with an interconnecting means between the sprayer actuating means and the temperature control means whereby the correct spray rate is automatically set when the temperature control means is adjusted for the fabric being ironed.

2. Description of the Prior Art With the advent of irons using water for either steam or spray purposes or both, a liquid reservoir in the form of a water tank is generally provided in the iron above the soleplate and a water valve structure provides controlled water drippage into a steam generator where the water is evaporated and directed out steam holes in the soleplate to steam the article. Spray attachments have been added to such irons to supply a fine spray from the water tank for spraying the garment. Such spray attachments may be manual, where each actuation of a suitable button pumps a spurt of water, or the spray may be steam powered where, by suitable valving, the steam pressure is raised and directed to the spray where it aspirates and pressurizcs the water so that a single depression of the button provides a continuous spray until the button is released. Typical spray irons of these types are shown in US Pat. Nos. 3,183,611 and 3,041,757 respectively and of common assignment. In steam irons with sprayers, the irons are extremely useful in ironing unsprinkled clothes and occasional re-dampening of troublesome spots during ironing. The amount of moisture in the spray or the water per unit of time known as the spray rate of such irons, however, is generally a compromise between a dry or light spray used on light fabrics or synthetics, to a medium spray for woolens or medium weight cottons, to a heavier wet spray for heavy cottons and linens. Operators difier widely as to what is the proper spray rate for different materials. For example, a single rate spray iron provides too much liquid on the fabric when synthetics are ironed and provides insufficient moisture for heavy cottons and linens. Inasmuch as the fabrics being ironed require different amounts of spray and the operators, even on the same materials, differ as to the proper amount of spray, the usual single rate iron is a compromise to meet these variable conditions.

Applicants assignees co-pending applications, Ser. Nos. 824,591 filed May 14, 1969 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,605,299, and 84,41 1 filed Oct. 27, 1970 show structure by which more than a single spray rate may be obtained in a spray iron. The first application shows means by which the liquid flow or water through the sprayer is changed to vary the liquid flow rate and hence the spray rate and the latter application shows structure whereby the steam or vapor flow through the sprayer is changed to vary the spray rate. The various spray rates are independently settable in these prior applications as desired by the operator in accordance with the fabric being ironed. As will be seen, the present invention adds to this prior art construction interconnecting means between the temperature control and the sprayer actuating means to automatically set the proper spray in accordance with the setting of the temperature control. Thus, when cool temperatures are set for synthetics or permanent press fabrics the spray rate is automatically set for a light spray but increases as the temperature control is increased to heavier fabrics such as woolens, cottons and linens to provide a heavier spray.

SUMMARY OF THE lNVENTION Briefly, described, the present invention is directed to a steam and adjustable or variable rate spray iron having a liquid reservoir and a steam generator connected to receive water from the reservoir and direct steam through the soleplate to the ironing surface. The iron also uses a sprayer assembly connected to mix and direct water and steam through a spray outlet to the ironing surface. The sprayer assembly is either manual or steam power operated and of known construction. The iron is provided with an adjustable temperature control means that operates an internal therrnostat-setting cam rotatable by a rod connected to an external manually adjustable temperature actuator in a known manner. The sprayer assembly is operated by means such as a manually movable button in the iron handle. To this generally known structure, the invenn'on adds an interconnecting or interlocking means between the temperature control means and the movable sprayer actuating means with the interconnecting means being located and having a stop thereon to variably limit the travel of the sprayer button and thereby automatically vary the spray rate with the temperature setting. The stop on the interconnecting rod may be fan-shaped to cover an arc of travel when the rod is rotated and the stop may have a cam on the fan surface to selectively vary the stroke of the movable means whereby any desired number of spray rates may be provided when the temperature is set by automatically limiting the stroke of the manual spray actuating button. Calibration can provide for the proper spray for each fabric in proportion to the temperature setting for that fabric. An additional stop is provided on the power sprayer to permit pressure build-up before spraying. Thus the main object of the invention, which is applicable to a powered or manual spray iron, is directed to providing an interconnecting means between the sprayer assembly and temperature control to automatically vary the spray flow rate with the temperature setting for the fabric.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a side elevation, partly in section, showing the invention in an iron with a power spray;

FIG. 2 is a partial broken view, similar to FIG. 1, showing the invention applied to a manual spray iron;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a stop means on the temperature control rod; and

FIG. 4 is a view, similar to FIG. 3 and reversed for clarity, showing a modified stop means for wider control of the spray rate.

Referring to FIG. 1, a spray iron embodying this invention in a power spray application typically includes soleplate 10, connected cover 12, and operating handle 14. In accordance with conventional practice, soleplate 10 may be cast from aluminum with an electrical heating element cast into position and extending in a loop from the rear of the iron along one side to the forward or pointed end and rearwardly along the other side in uniform heat distribution. The temperature of the soleplate is set by a manually actuable means such as adjustable temperature control member or knob 16 connected to operate a thermostat all as well known in the art.

Since spray irons are generally found in combination with steam irons, it is in this context that the invention is described. The iron includes cavity 18 for generating vapor under pressure and typically, this may be used to convert any liquid such as water into steam. A liquid reservoir in the form of water tank 20 supplied water to orifice 22 which is controlled by valve stem 24 that is actuated by stepped button 26 by suitable known linkage mechanism whereby water drips onto the hot soleplate and is converted into steam. The steam so generated is confined and directed over the heated upper surface of the soleplate by coverplate 28 and thence out steam outlets 30. A steam collecting dome 32 is tightly sealed to coverplate 28 in any suitable fashion and supports various components of the iron. In the power spray modification of FIG. 1 being described, dome 32 also carries a pressure balancing tube 34 which transmits pressure from the steam generator to the upper portion of water tank 20. Generally, uniform operating steam pressure is maintained by a steam pressure regulator 36 which determines the pressure under which the liquid spray noule operates. Such structure is shown in the US. Pat. No. 3,041,757 patent referenced. Steam produced in generator 18, as controlled by regulator 36, is directed upwardly for downward flow through the pressure regulator and thence through steam outlets 30 to the ironing surface. Pressure regulator 36 maintains a small pressure suitable for spray operation in the power spray modification of FIG. 1. In order to equalize pressure throughout the system, pressure balancing tube 34 extends above the water line in reservoir 20 to ensure that the same steam pressure exists in the upper portion of the tank as in steam cavity 18.

For maximum use in various operations, the iron should be operable as a dry iron, a steam iron, or a liquid sprayer. Therefore, means are provided for controlling whether or not steam is generated within the iron. This includes the elongated valve stem 24 guidedly carried and connected with formed rod 38 to the stepped steam button 26 in the handle. Valve stem 24, which is spring-biased upwardly, is locked in the down position when the stepped portion of button 26 is locked under the handle surface whereby stem 24 closes orifice 22 and the iron is operable as a dry iron.

For spraying, there is provided a suitable sprayer assembly 40 directed generally downwardly so the fabric being ironed can be damped without lifting the iron. In the power spray, the assembly is sealed to steam conduit 42 which extends upward from the water tank. It can be seen in FIG. 1 that steam conduit 42 is aligned with pressure balance tube 34 so conduit 42 is in desirable direct communication with the steam generator. In order to supply liquid to the sprayer assembly 40 it is connected with a water tube 44 communicating at its lower end at the bottom of tank 20 to draw liquid therefrom under steam pressure acting on the surface of the water in tank 20. The powered sprayer assembly is manually actuated by a movable button means 46 which requires only a single operation whereupon liquid issues from sprayer 40 as long as the button is held down so no pumping is required. Sprayer operation is obtained by any suitable linkage under button 46 such as a sliding angle member 48 that operates lever 50 which, through suitable known mechanism, lifts the cap on spray assembly 40 to permit a fine steam-powered spray to issue as long as the button 46 is held down.

The aforementioned co-pending application disclose means by which different flow rates in a single iron are selected by the user depending on the characteristics of the fabric being ironed. The iron temperature may be controlled by any suitable known means such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,602,248 of common assignment. Briefly described, an internal thermostat-setting cam 52, that controls a thermostat not shown, is rotatable by a rod 54 connected to the external manually adjustable actuator 16 whereby the cam is rotated to set a thermostat as temperature control 16 is rotated.

In accordance with the invention and using the spray assembly structure or equivalent of the co-pending applications, it is desired to provide a means whereby the correct spray is automatically set by the user when the temperature control is set for the fabric being ironed. In other words, a cool or low temperature iron is used on synthetics which also require a light spray. Conversely, as the fabrics increase through wool and into cotton and linen, the iron temperature must increase satisfactorily to iron the fabrics and the dampening spray should be heavier or wetter. To this end, the invention ties together the temperature control means and the movable actuating means whereby the correct spray rate is automatically set preferably directly in accordance with the temperature setting for the fabric. In order to accomplish this, an interconnecting means in the form of a stop 56 is mounted by any suitable means on rod 54 as clearly shown in FIG. 3. The stop 56 is disposed below movable button 46 to variably limit the travel of the button a preselected amount when it is actuated. The arrangement of FIG. 3 is essentially a dual spray rate arrangement although stop 56 could be any suitable shape. As a dual spray arrangement, the iron is suitably calibrated so that, at the lower or synthetic temperature settings, stop 56 is disposed in the path of travel of movable button 46 acting through lever 50 so that the lever contacts the stop to limit the amount of spray issuing from assembly 40. On the other hand, as the temperature is increased stop 56 will be rotated out of the path of travel below button 46 to permit lever 50 to rotate down unimpeded to automatically allow spray assembly 40 to open farther for a heavier spray and thus to vary the spray directly with temperature.

Inasmuch as the power spray modification requires steam to generate the spray, it is desirable to prevent any spray operation below 212220 F. until sufficient steam pressure is built up. In order to control the start of spray operation any simple means such as a bar stop 57 may be provided on the shaft 54 to block depression of lever 50 as actuated by button 46 until the shaft is rotated to a setting greater than 212 F. when the bar 57 will then be clear of lever 50 and permit spraying to begin. By angularly displacing bar 57 from stop 56 as required, once the spray conditions are established by proper steam pressure, the position of stop 56 determines the actual spray rate as described above.

' Referring next to FIG. 2, the same type interconnecting structure is shown as applied to a manual spray iron wherein pressing spray actuating button 58 operates a known-type pump on each individual stroke of the button whereupon a slug of water is pumped up the water tube 60 and out the sprayer as shown in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,183,611 patent referenced. In the manual spray, it is desired to limit the pump stroke and, to this end, it is necessary to limit the movement of lever 62 attached to button 58. Consequently, rod 64 which is attached to manually actuated temperature control 66, carries stop 68 which, again is disposed in the path of travel of lever 62 below the movable button 58 to variably limit the travel of the button. Again, if two sprays are desired a stop essentially the same as stop 56 of FIG. 3 may be used. On the other hand, if a wider range is desired in either the modification of FIG. I or FIG. 2, a fan-shaped stop 70, as shown in FIG. 4, may be used. It will be apparent that the fan shape then permits the stop to cover a wider arc of travel on rotation of rod 54 or 64. Similarly, if a number of spray rates or a constantly increasing spray rate is desired, the stop may be made fan-shaped and formed to have any suitable cam surface 72 thereon. Thus, cam surface 72 may take any shape to variably limit the stroke of the movable button means above it in any desired manner to obtain any spray rate desired. The bar stop of FIG. 3, to ensure sufl'icient steam pressure, may also be used if desired.

It will be apparent that the interconnecting means including the stop disposed in the path of travel of the spray actuating means thus permits a wide variation of spray rates as automatically set by the temperature control of the iron whether it is a powered or manual spray iron.

While there have been described preferred forms of the invention, obvious equivalent variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practised, otherwise than as specifically described, and the claims are intended to cover such equivalent variations.

We claim:

1. In a spray iron having a liquid reservoir and a sprayer as- I sembly connected to apply liquid therefrom to the fabric being ironed, an adjustable temperature control means, and movable means to manually actuate said sprayer, the improvement comprising,

means interconnecting said temperature control means and movable means,

said interconnecting means being disposed to variably limit the travel of said movable means to automatically vary the spray rate with the temperature setting.

2. Apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said interconnecting means comprises a stop on said temperature control means,

said stop being disposed in the path of travel of said movable means to vary the spray rate directly with the temperature.

3. Apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said adjustable temperature control includes an internal thermostat-setting cam rotatable by a rod connected to an external manually ad- 7 justable actuator,

5. Apparatus is described in claim 3 wherein said stop is fanshaped to cover an arc of travel on rotation of said rod.

6. Apparatus as described in claim 5 wherein said stop has a cam surface thereon to vary the stroke of said movable means.

7. Apparatus as described in claim 6 having a additional stop means angularly displaced from said interconnecting stop to control the start of spray operation. 

1. In a spray iron having a liquid reservoir and a sprayer assembly connected to apply liquid therefrom to the fabric being ironed, an adjustable temperature control means, and movable means to manually actuate said sprayer, the improvement comprising, means interconnecting said temperature control means and movable means, said interconnecting means being disposed to variably limit the travel of said movable means to automatically vary the spray rate with the temperature setting.
 2. Apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said interconnecting means comprises a stop on said temperature control means, said stop being disposed in the path of travel of said movable means to vary the spray rate directly with the temperature.
 3. Apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said adjustable temperature control includes an internal thermostat-setting cam rotatable by a rod connected to an external manually adjustable actuator, said interconnecting means including a stop mounted on said rod, said stop being rotatable with said rod and disposed below said movable means and in the path of travel thereof to limit travel of said movable means.
 4. Apparatus as described in claim 2 having an additional stop means angularly displaced from said interconnecting stop to control the start of spray operation.
 5. Apparatus is described in claim 3 wherein said stop is fan-shaped to cover an arc of travel on rotation of said rod.
 6. Apparatus as described in claim 5 wherein said stop has a cam surface thereon to vary the stroke of said movable means.
 7. Apparatus as described in claim 6 having a additional stop means angularly displaced from said interconnecting stop to control the start of spray operation. 